Cleaning the engine compartment?

[vicpick58]

On previous vehicles I have just sprayed simple green all over the engine compartment, (when engine is cold) then hosed it off and driven the car long enough to dry everything out.

My last vehicle (04 Grand Cherokee) did not always like this treatment and sometimes threw some odd fault codes. So I stopped cleaning it's engine after a few years.

My question to you all is, how to you keep your 4Runner engines clean?

Mine is getting a little dusty and I would like to clean it before it gets any worse. Any problem with getting it wet?

 

[weeeee]

I run a small detailing business on the side. I would strongly recommend against using simple green in the engine bay on the 5th gen as it is highly acidic and could damage the plastic pieces- which there are a lot of in this engine bay. I would use a diluted citric cleaner or diluted engine cleaner if there is a lot of grease/oil buildup, etc., but if it's just dirt and dust you're worried about I'd just go for a quick rinse and avoid the electrical components by wrapping a plastic bag or Saran wrap over them.

 

[harper7]

I always just wipe down my engine bays by hand with damp rags and use Lexol Vinylex protectant on the rubber and plastic.

Watch running a bunch of water on this one as it has a lot of valleys down around the intake where the water can just sit .

 

[vicpick58]

Thanks guys, I guess I'll just wipe it off with a damp rag for the time being and not worry about trying to keep it looking like new.

 

[jspagna1]

Have not done it with this truck yet, just hit 5,000 miles. But with my 3rd gen I go to the car wash and keep it running while I spray the engine compartment. Just don't get too close because of the pressure and stay away from electronics and filters. Also when I get home I wipe it down/dry it off. My 97's engine compartment still looks great.

 

[jambo]

I always just wipe down my engine bays by hand with damp rags and use Lexol Vinylex protectant on the rubber and plastic.

Watch running a bunch of water on this one as it has a lot of valleys down around the intake where the water can just sit .

I always spray my engine with only water on regular basis,almost every week. I never had any problems yet .

 

[veloindy]

I've had good luck with GUNK.

GUNK Engine Degreaser Product Line Overview - YouTube